In this episode of the Soil Sisters Podcast, discover the integral role of advocacy in agriculture with Judith McGeary, the executive director and founder of the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance (FARFA). Explore the mission and achievements of FARFA, including significant legislative wins that support small farmers and local food producers. The conversation delves into the importance of civic engagement, the challenges and opposition faced from large agribusinesses, and the opportunities available for cottage food producers. Judith also provides actionable advice on how you can become an effective 'agtivist' with an invitation to become more involved in shaping future agricultural policies. Whether it's buying local food, engaging with policymakers, or attending conferences, there are numerous ways to support a sustainable food system. Tune into this episode and get inspired to join us! 

MEET OUR GUEST: Judith McGeary is an attorney, activist, and sustainable farmer.  After earning her Bachelors of Science from Stanford University and her law degree with high honors from the University of Texas at Austin, she clerked for a Federal Appeals Court and went on to private law practice.  During that time, she became a passionate advocate of sustainable agriculture, and she and her husband established their own livestock farm.  After seeing how government regulations benefit industrial agriculture at the expense of family farms, she founded the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance to promote common-sense policies for local, diversified agricultural systems. Judith has been profiled in the Texas Observer and Edible Austin, appears in the documentary Farmageddon, and has been interviewed on numerous radio shows across the country. Judith has served as the Vice Chair of the U.S. Secretary's Advisory Committee on Animal Health and is also active with Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, the Weston A. Price Foundation, and the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Welcome to the Soil Sisters Podcast

00:31 Introducing Judith McGeary and FARFA

01:48 Judith's Journey from Law to Farming Advocacy

03:27 The Battle Against National Animal Identification System (NAIS) and Big Agribusiness

04:54 The Importance of Regenerative Agriculture

06:23 Historical Parallels and Antitrust Movements

08:42 Challenges Facing Small Farmers

11:17 FARFA's Legislative Successes

17:09 Cottage Food Law and New Opportunities

22:31 Federal Issues and Labeling Regulations

29:22 Agtivism 101: How to Get Involved

31:33 Understanding Political Realities

32:10 Effective Advocacy Strategies

34:39 Personal Experiences with Advocacy

37:58 The Power of Persistence

45:02 Challenges with the Farm Bill

49:31 Encouraging Local Food Systems

57:54 Invitation to Engage and Final Thoughts

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